Overview
San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area and the capital of Silicon Valley, home to headquarters of tech giants like Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe Systems. The city offers diverse ethnic enclaves, from Japantown to Little Portugal, alongside professional sports (Sharks NHL, Earthquakes MLS) and unique attractions like the Winchester Mystery House.
Architecture · Day Trips · Festivals · Museums · Nightlife
Before you go
Connectivity
All major carriers have excellent coverage. Public WiFi at libraries. Most cafes and hotels offer free WiFi.
Money
USD is the currency. Major credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs plentiful. San Jose is expensive; budget carefully.
Safety
One of the safer large U.S. cities. Normal urban precautions apply. East San Jose neighborhoods have higher crime rates.
Transport
San Jose's airport (SJC) is served by VTA light rail and shuttle. Diridon Station is the transit hub for Amtrak, Caltrain, and VTA buses. A car is nearly essential for exploring beyond downtown.
Weather
Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Fog common in mornings. Wildfire smoke possible in fall.